Periodontal Treatment Specialist

Tala Dental Care

Nataliya Safonova, DDS

General Dentistry located in Midwood, Brooklyn, NY

When your gums bleed or look inflamed, that’s a sign that you have gingivitis and may have a serious gum infection called periodontitis. When you notice any changes in the look or feel of your gums, contact the experts at Tala Dental Care P.C., in Brooklyn, New York, near Midwood, for periodontal care. Natalia Safonova, DDS, and her expert team offer cutting-edge treatments for gum disease, including Arestin® and Atridox® controlled-release, subgingival antibiotics. For healthy teeth and gums, call Dr. Safonova at Tala Dental Care or book a periodontal treatment consultation online.

Periodontal Treatment Q & A

Why do I need periodontal treatment?

Periodontitis is an infection of your gums that, if untreated, could lead to tooth loss or even systemic disease. Your gums provide the foundation for your teeth and any dental work you may have. Periodontal treatments reverse infection, allowing your gums to heal and hold your teeth in place.

What are signs that I might have periodontitis?

Blood on your toothbrush or dental floss are signs of gingivitis, which is an inflammation of your gums. If you brush and floss twice a day and your gingivitis doesn’t resolve, you may have periodontitis. Other symptoms of periodontitis include:

Bad breath

Red, dark, or swollen gums

Tender gums

Receding gums

Gum pockets

Sensitive teeth

Loose teeth

Chewing pain

If you have any symptoms of periodontitis, call Dr. Safonova right away.

How did I get periodontitis?

Aging, genetics, and poor oral health habits all contribute to periodontitis. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is an essential part of keeping your teeth clean and healthy.

If you don’t take care of your teeth, an invisible biofilm called plaque covering your teeth and gums hardens into crusty brown tartar. The tartar irritates your gums and causes them to pull away from your teeth, forming gum pockets that are susceptible to infection.

You can’t brush away plaque. That’s why you need a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year at Tala Dental Care P.C.

Other risk factors for periodontitis include smoking and certain medications. You may be more likely to get periodontitis if you’re undergoing hormonal fluctuations or have a condition such as diabetes.

How is periodontitis treated?

Dentists and periodontists — doctors who specialize in gum treatment — have a number of effective therapies to reverse infection and restore your gums’ health, including periodontal surgery. Dr. Safonova may recommend:

Scaling and planing

Removing plaque and reshaping roots so gums can grow back.

Flap surgery

Cleaning out and stitching up your gum pockets.

Bone and tissue grafts

Regenerating bone and gums destroyed by infection.

Antibiotics

Placing state-of-the-art, sustained-release antibiotic powders, such as Arestin and Atridox in the gum pockets to clear the infection.